THE Cheshire Show is making a comeback after last year's event was cancelled due to the foot-andmouth epidemic, officials confirmed last night.

The 2001 event was cancelled with only weeks to go following an outbreak of the disease at Little Leigh, only a few miles from the Tabley estate showground.

It was only the second time in the event's 164-year history it had to be called off. The previous time was in 1866 due to cattle plague.

The cancellation was a bitter blow to organisers, who expected to have a record number of entries and visitors for what is one of the biggest agricultural shows in the country.

Now organisers are cautiously optimistic that this year's event could turn out to be the most successful yet.

The show will feature all the usual attractions, competitions and demonstrations, except those involving sheep and goats due to movement restrictions.

The event, which costs #500,000 to stage, attracts 60,000 visitors and is a major source of income for traders and exhibitors from the region.

David Broster, spokesman for the Cheshire Agricultural Society, which runs the show, said: " Having to cancel last year's show was a huge blow to everyone. Being forced to cancel so late when we had done so much organising also cost us financially.

"But now it is time to put it behind us and look forward to this year. It is back to business and we are looking forward to providing a great day out for everyone.

"It will feature almost all of the usual attractions which make us such a success and the largest two-day county show in the North West.

"We have had a lot of interest already. I would like to think people really missed us last year which hopefully should guarantee us a big crowd.

"We are just waiting to be granted the Defra licence and then it is all systems go."

This year's show on June 18 and 19 will feature a full programme of classes for at least 16 breeds of dairy and beef cattle, together with competitions for horses, dogs, poultry, pigeons and rabbits.

Features of the main ring will include the Band of the Prince of Wales' Division and the West Lancashire Dog Display Team.

There will be demonstrations of country pursuits such as falconry and archery, and visitors will be able to browse a farmers market and a shoppers' marquee and hundreds of trade stands.